I was asked by my friend Robert LeFevre to use my networks to post an open letter to people in the AUB. Here is his letter:
November 22, 2014
When my father died his third wife Sharlette was pretty much homeless. Brother Owen called me up and told me he had bought this house in Riverton Utah for her and her children. That was eternally kind of Brother Owen. And our Family is very thankful for what he did. The main problem with the whole thing is this: My father and his wife had an agreement with Brother Joseph Blaine Thompson (his life long close friend) that if Dad was to die (he had bypass surgery and a bad heart) that Brother Joe would take Sharlette to be his wife. Sharlette was on board with that and was looking forward to the association with Brother Joe's Family. Unbeknownst to me at the time was that all the “Royal Priesthood” had condemned Brother Joe (without even a trial) to be a child abuser. Brother Owen, therefor would not let Sharlette go into Brother Joe's family.
I told Brother Owen that my Dad would expect and wanted to pay for the house that was bought for Sharlette. I traded Brother Owen 10 or 12 lots in the Fifetown Subdivision and 12 to 15 acre feet of water to pay for the house. We made an agreement that Sharlette could live in the house for the rest of her life and that the Priesthood would keep control of it until she died, so she would always have a place to live. Once she passed away, it would go to her children.
It wasn't long after this that Brother Joe died. I contend that Sharlette would have been in a much better place had not this Priesthood stepped into my Father and Brother Joe's business. Can we all say, “Consequence?”
Any reasonable thinking individual can plainly see that Owen and Joe had a complicated relationship and Brother Joe was a victim of Priesthood unrighteous crap. (crap is my father's words and it seems to fit this situation.) Brother Joe could be a hard man but was never guilty of the things all those in the A.U.B. accused him of doing. He was one of the most moral men I ever knew, falling victim of money in a banana-box and the long time envy of those who said they were his brother.
I met with Kent and Ron Allred and several others on this deal. It took me over two hours to get them to understand that I didn't want anything other than what I had first stated. I think Kent or Ron said, “now let me get this straight, you don't want anything?” and my reply was, “That's right!” Only a home for Sharlette and her children.
Under the leadership of the fine man Rulon Clark Allred, I made a covenant with you men of the A.U.B., not to say or hear any gossip of another brother unless I have personally confronted them with the accusation. I've personally tried to keep that covenant and pray for you that you are keeping that agreement also. I saw David and Harry here in Stockton MO. and it was uncomfortable for them. I felt that for the most part they have tried to keep that covenant, as I have.
A few years ago we tried to get you to let Sharlette sell the house in Riverton so we could move her to Arizona. Where Sharlette's daughter Clara, could take care of her. My understanding was that Sharlette was told Robert was trying to steal her house. It saddened me to hear that some of the Brethern accused me of being a thief. I've been taken advantage of so many times by men, in the name of Priesthood. All I want to do is forgive and forget. The time of the peace makers to rule is here, and all some can do is side with the other guy and accuse.
I hope there is some sanity in your counsels. My father loved all of you and gave thousands and thousands and never cared, or asked anything in return. Brother Owen was trying to be kind and I love him for his memory and for his kindness.
Brother Owen called me headless because I walked away from the A.U.B., rather than squabble over?? May God Bless you in your Righteousness.
Your Brother in Christ Jesus,
Robert S. LeFevre
